​Are you stuck in a rut? If so, your life's fallen into a pattern, and you repeat the same old routine. The problem isn't that the routine isn't working; perhaps, life's hamster wheel is just humdrum, and there's a sense you're getting nowhere fast. Here's how to liven up your world and make it more meaningful.

Define what you want

You can't get what you want from life until you define what, exactly, you find significant. Consider what you want to accomplish that also fills you with passion.

Would volunteering to help young people in your community, for instance, bring extra meaning to your routine? Or you may enjoy following a long-lost dream to write, paint, or travel.

Lethargy and despondency stem from not getting in touch with your zest for life. Tap into the essence of what makes you tick and put a spring back in your step.

Stop doing what doesn't work anymore

At some point, part of your routine lost its usefulness. Maybe, you enjoyed watching old movies in the evenings for a while, or spending each Friday night with your friends in the same club every week was fun. Now, though, your usual activities might not bring you joy.

Examine parts of your schedule that do nothing for you. Like clothes you never wear and books you don't read, they clutter your existence needlessly and take up space.

Quit habits and hobbies that no longer serve a purpose and replace them with activities you prefer.

Find inspiration

People, places, and occasions can bring inspiration and renewed vitality. Reignite your enthusiasm by connecting with motivating role models, places you love, and by taking part in stimulating events.

You might spend more time with high-energy friends, for example, and attend live music events rather than only listening to the radio at home. Novelty and fervor will raise your interest in life.

Use your strengths

What are you good at doing? The chances are, your strengths are the key to higher levels of motivation and happiness. Everybody has particular gifts that make them stand out from the crowd. If you're in a rut, you might not be making the most of your talents. It's time to recall what makes you special and use your best qualities.

You might be in a rut now, but you can change your outlook. Embrace novelty, remember what makes you come alive, and be clear about what adds meaning to your life. Give up habits that don't make you happy, too, and life will be less humdrum.

Are you intuitive? If you answered "no," perhaps you just aren't tuned into the part of you that can give you wise advice. You see, your intuition never switches off, you don't always hear it though. When you tune in and listen, you can live your life intuitively and benefit in the following ways.

Inner guidanceYour intuition is your guidance system. It lets you know when you're about to make a mistake or can profit from spotting an opportunity. Sometimes it appears as a gnawing sensation or the feeling of butterflies' flapping in your stomach. Such agitation is your system's way of getting your attention.Realize your intuition provides advice before you select food and drink to consume and is different from the urge to experience pleasure. You might fancy a bag of chips, for instance, but your intuition may suggest you need the nutrients contained in leafy greens or energy from lean protein, seeds, and nuts.​Inner guidance might also appear when you make choices about where to go, what to watch on TV, or which career to follow. Take note when it speaks and you'll make sage choices.

Cognitive nudgesYour mind and body store knowledge gained from years of experiences. When similar circumstances to those you faced in the past arise, your intuition pipes up. It might offer images and words. Or you may simply like or dislike an idea but not know why.

Your intuition differs from the critical voice of the ego. The ego says you aren't good enough or points out things to dread. Your intuition is spontaneous and supplies suggestions that might not seem related to current circumstances. The feeling you should travel along a particular route or visit a certain friend, for instance, is likely to stem from intuition.

Hold the intent to notice intuitive messages and they will become clear. If an image flashes to mind, ponder what it might mean. If an opinion arises as words in your head, rather than ignore it, consider whether it springs from the voice of experience.

​Your inner guidance system is always ready to supply wisdom. Heighten your awareness of its existence and listen and watch for the signs it provides. Make doing so a habit and you'll live life intuitively rather than use guesswork and logic alone.